William Blakemore Obituary

William "Henry" Blakemore was born on February 20, 1936, in Marshall County,
Oklahoma, and peacefully passed from this life on July 28, 2025, in Ardmore,
Oklahoma. He was the fourth of six children born to Callie Elivina (Black) and Earl
Thomas Blakemore.
Henry grew up in a close-knit family and carried that sense of devotion into every part of
his life. After graduating from Madill High School in 1954, he married his high school
sweetheart and the love of his life, Virginia Sue Eldridge, on September 1, 1956, in
Lebanon, Oklahoma. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in love, faith, and family.
Henry and Sue spent many wonderful years in Texas, where they became longtime
members of the Pipeline Road Church of Christ in Hurst. In 1991, they returned to
Oklahoma and continued their journey of faith as members of Quail Springs Church of
Christ, later attending New Hope Church of Christ in Edmond, and finally The Springs
Church of Christ in Edmond.
Above all else, Henry was a family man. He was a devoted husband, a loving daddy,
and the most incredible "Pop" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His gentle
nature, wise guidance, steady presence, and unconditional love made a lasting impact
on every member of his family. Whether he was sharing stories, lending a helping hand,
playing dominos or simply sitting beside you, Henry made everyone feel cherished. His
legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sue; his parents, Earl and Callie; his
sister, Leola Blakemore; his brothers, Francis Blakemore and wife Anna Lou, Neal
Blakemore and wife Louise, Wyndel Blakemore and wife Mary; and his precious great-
granddaughter, Mae Virginia Giddens.
Henry is survived by his daughter, Carmel Blakemore Cotter, and her husband, David;
his son, Chris Blakemore, and his wife, Elicia; and his brother, Otis Blakemore, and
wife, Diane. He leaves behind a legacy of love in his grandchildren: Hailey Foster and
husband Tim (children: Eli and Emily), Lance Cotter and wife Jenn, Jonathan Blakemore
(children: JT, Colton, Cooper, and Harper), and Cara Giddens and husband Tim
(children: Hazel and Max). He is also remembered fondly by many other loving relatives
and lifelong friends.
Services celebrating Henry's life will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at
The Springs Church of Christ, 21477 N. Western Ave., Edmond, OK 73012. The family
will receive visitors on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at
Buchanan Funeral Service, 8712 N. Council Rd., Oklahoma City, OK 73132.
Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing that Henry is reunited with his
beloved Sue and resting peacefully in the arms of his Savior. His kindness, strength,
and deep love for his family will be treasured always.